I began working on the home I purchased in Arvada, Colorado this January, 2014. The kitchen was a major issue – I wanted to open the space up by taking down a load baring wall, removing the plaster walls, raising the ceiling over a foot, replacing all cabinets & appliances and adding an island.

It was quite a project, but the final product looks amazing. When beginning a kitchen remodel, it’s important to remain realistic about the time it will take, the scope of the project, and the budget. I ended up purchasing RTA cabinets from Lily Ann Cabinets – amazing quality at an unbelievable price. I did the kitchen at a fraction of the price it would have cost and I couldn’t be more pleased.

The following pictures give a visual time line of the before, during, and after.

The first set of pictures was the initial stage in the renovation. Built in the 1950’s the kitchen needed everything replaced. It was also a tiny space, so I knew I wanted to open it up by taking out the walls that closed it off from the family/dinning room.

After realizing the wall was supporting the ceiling, I had to carefully support the ceiling before taking out the walls. These pictures show that process-the sistering joists, the raising of the ceiling (that’s a whole other project), and taking out the kitchen walls.

The kitchen cabinets required assembly, but we’re amazing in quality and price. Once they were assembled and hung, the kitchen just needed granite to be complete. Quite an improvement!

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Want to re-do your master bathroom? Need more space and have an unfinished basement? Making the decision to remodel any room in your home or office isn’t an easy one, so preparing beforehand is key.

There are some preliminary steps to do before you start your project that will not only help you prepare, but will help the project move smoother.

1. Set a budget. You need to know what you’re comfortable spending. Sometimes you’re dream kitchen or bathroom is not within your budget.

2. Design. Come up with a preliminary plan based on you’re current living conditions, and think about how they may change in the future. You’re ideal layout may not work for you in a few years with growing kids, possible in laws etc. It is crucial that you relay any and all aspects of the way you use, and intend to use your space, so that a designer/contractor can provide a plan custom built to your needs. Explore opportunities within your project plan and budget. It may be possible to say take down a wall to provide an open concept design, and forsake a level 7 granite, to remain inside budget concerns.

3. Finishes and Finish package. It’s easy to imagine the project being done, but have you thought about the finishes

you’d like? The final touches on a project can impact scope & budget, so before getting started consider the finishes you may want. Examples of finishes are below:

4. Realistic time line. The scope of your project should help you formulate a project timeline. Are you taking out walls? Does the room need any demo? Are you getting a basic finish package or going all out? And always plan for unforeseen issues. More often than not, everything goes smoothly, but it’s good to pad a few days in case issues arise.